Under intense scrutiny following Ghana’s failure to qualify for AFCON 2025—their first absence since 2004—Black Stars coach Otto Addo has ruled out stepping down, vowing to continue in his role despite widespread criticism.
Speaking after Ghana’s 2-1 loss to Niger in their final Group F match, Addo reflected on the team’s struggles but reaffirmed his commitment to the job.
“I’m not the type to resign. If I had that mindset, I wouldn’t have become a player or a coach,” Addo said. “The journey to this position has been tough, and public criticism won’t deter me.”
He admitted the team’s vulnerability to set pieces, which once again proved costly against Niger, and emphasized the need for improvement.
“We started okay but conceded a goal from a set piece, which we had prepared for because they scored from a corner the last time we met. We need to defend these situations better,” he said.
Positives Amid Disappointment
Despite the dismal campaign, Addo highlighted the promising performances of some debutants, praising their contribution in a challenging environment.
“There are positives, especially from players who hadn’t played before but did well today,” he noted.
He urged the media and fans to shift their focus from assigning blame to supporting the players, who he insisted gave their all throughout the qualifiers.
“The media has the power to shape the narrative, not just about results but also performances. I urge you to support the players because they’ve done their best,” Addo said.
Call for Unity
In a surprising twist, Addo used his platform to advocate for peace ahead of Ghana’s upcoming elections, emphasizing the importance of national unity.
“I pray for peaceful elections. No matter the outcome, we must remain united as a country,” he stated.
Reflecting on the Campaign
Addo admitted that while a draw against Niger wouldn’t have altered Ghana’s elimination, it might have lifted the team’s morale.
“Yes, a draw wouldn’t have changed our fate, but it could have boosted the mood of the country and the energy of the players,” he said.
The Black Stars’ disastrous campaign concluded with the team at the bottom of Group F, managing just three points and failing to win a single game. The performance has left fans and stakeholders questioning the team’s direction under Addo’s leadership.
